Leicester City could be set to use the January transfer window as a chance to strengthen their squad in an attempt to beat the Championship’s points record and have identified one player who can bolster the team.
It was revealed last Sunday that the Foxes were keen to sign Fabio Carvalho on loan from Liverpool after a disappointing six-month spell with Champions League outfit RB Leipzig.
In Germany, the Portuguese playmaker played just 360 minutes in total which was spread across 15 appearances in all competitions. This averages out at merely 24 minutes per appearance, causing Liverpool to recall Carvalho from his loan stint at the end of December.
Nevertheless, it was reported by Sky Sports that Jurgen Klopp has no plans for the 21-year-old and will look to send him back out on loan for the remainder of the campaign, with Leicester City keen to secure his services.
Fabio Carvalho won it late, late on against Newcastle earlier in the season ⏪🔴#NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/JoexDd9IRX
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 18, 2023
On Saturday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also hinted that the former Premier League champions hold an interest in signing Carvalho on loan until the summer, revealing on Twitter/X that:
“Top [six] Championship clubs have also asked for loan [for Carvalho], waiting for Liverpool and player’s camp to decide for best option.”
Without directly naming Leicester City, Romano seems to back Sky Sports’ claim that the Leicestershire club are hoping to bring Carvalho to the King Power Stadium to strengthen their bid for a return to the top-flight.
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes that Carvalho would be an excellent signing for a club in the Championship and even described the attacking midfielder as a “diamond” [quotes via Football League World]:
“Look, the quality that he brings.
“I’m really shocked that he hasn’t been able to get game-time [at] RB Leipzig or even at Liverpool.
“I thought he would get opportunities based on his time with Fulham in the Championship.
“I saw a lot of him with Fulham, bearing in mind this was two and a bit years ago when he was super young,” he continued.
“What a talent. 10 goals and eight assists in the Championship last time. He was sensational.
“There is no question he would help any of the teams that are aspiring to get promoted.
“If anybody was lucky enough to bring him back, get him match sharp, into their team and firing then they’d have a diamond on their hands.”
Writer’s View
Carvalho was exceptional in the Championship the last time he played there with Fulham before making a £5 million switch to Liverpool, with the player now said to be worth £13 million, as per the CIES Football Observatory. Across 44 appearances with the Cottagers, the Portuguese star scored 12 goals and registered eight assists.
This would be an incredible signing for Leicester City, although there is said to be competition from Southampton which could make things difficult for the club in the race to secure his signature.
Deputy Head of Writing
